One possible starting point is in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.
A carbon atom has a very interesting life. It can start in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Through photosynthesis, plants take it in and use it to build carbohydrates. Then, animals eat the plants and the carbon atom becomes part of their bodies. When animals respire, the carbon atom may be released back into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide again.
One key stage is being part of an inorganic compound like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Then, being incorporated into an organic compound through photosynthesis in plants. Another stage is being transferred through the food chain when plants are eaten by animals. Finally, being released back into the environment through respiration or decomposition.
Well, a carbon atom's story is full of travels. It starts perhaps in a fossil fuel deep underground. When we burn the fossil fuel, the carbon atom is released as carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide can then dissolve in the ocean, becoming part of the ocean's carbon cycle. There, it might be taken up by marine organisms and incorporated into their shells, which could later form limestone. If the limestone is weathered, the carbon atom might find its way back into the soil or water, starting a new cycle of existence.
One possible starting point could be economic hardships in their native place. If they couldn't find good - paying jobs or business opportunities were scarce, they might have decided to immigrate.
One possible starting point could be a chance encounter at a community event. They might have been drawn to each other by their sense of humor.
One important aspect is the carbon cycle. It involves processes like photosynthesis and respiration. Another aspect is the role of carbon in different forms such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and carbon in living organisms. Also, how carbon moves between the biosphere, geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere is crucial.
Ghosts. Maybe the spirits of those who died in or near the Carbon River.
One turning point could be hitting rock bottom. Maybe it's when they lose their job, home, or a really important relationship. This extreme situation can make them realize they need to change.
A carbon life story could be about a carbon atom's journey. It might start in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. A plant takes it in during photosynthesis. Then an animal eats the plant, and the carbon becomes part of the animal's body. When the animal dies and decomposes, the carbon is released back into the soil or the atmosphere. It's a continuous cycle of life and transformation for the carbon atom.
The plot could revolve around an atom's daily experiences in a material. It could start with the atom being in its normal position within a lattice structure. As the day progresses, it could be affected by various forces such as electrical or magnetic fields. This could cause it to shift its position slightly or even break free from its initial bonds. It might then encounter other atoms and either react with them or just pass by. By the end of the day, it could end up in a completely different state or location compared to where it started.